Maboneng DJ makes his mark
JOBURG - Half-Japanese, half-amazing is how 35-year-old Akio Kawahito describes himself.
Boasting a bachelor’s degree in economics, another in art history, as well as his masters in international relations, it would be a mistake to write him off as just another DJ.
In only six years, the Japanese-Dutch Kawahito, has gone from being a tourist in South Africa to a household name in Mzansi’s hip-hop industry – and a force to be reckoned with in the business arena.
The seemingly reserved entertainer appeared to be most comfortable when speaking about his family; obstacles he’s had to face on his way up; and his ambitions.
In 2008 Kawahito, who’s also known as DJ ID, moved to South Africa and lived in Cape Town.
Together with a group of other international youngsters he established Conscious Connectionz, a non-profit organisation.
“We were a bunch of kids trying to run a non-profit organisation; we ran an HIV awareness campaign that would use hip-hop as a to tool deliver a positive message to the youth,” he said.
“I enjoyed doing the work and I loved DJing, but there came a point where I had to do something that could bring in money – I had to think about what was tangible.”
Talking about making the transition from non-profit to building a career, Kawahito explained how nothing came easily.
While in Cape Town, Kawahito co-founded of the Kool Out Lounge, a hip-hop venue that allowed DJs to showcase their skills.
Then he made his move to Johannesburg in 2011 in an effort to further his career as a DJ.
“My friend and I moved to Johannesburg as we were both trying to make it as DJs; we weren’t booking any gigs and at one point we had nowhere to stay,” he said.
“I remember going home that year and being very uncertain about coming back as things were so tough, but then I decided to stick it out for another year and see what happened.”
Making his way back with a revived spirit, the DJ said he made an effort to network and get things done.
Since then Kawahito has become hot property after teaming up with hip-hop artist Reason as his DJ and manager. The two have opened up for international artists Two-Chains, Big Sean and most recently, Kendrick Lamar.
Kawahito has also been nominated in the SA hip-hop awards in the category DJ of the Year.
He has performed at festivals including Synergy, Oppikoppi, Earthdance and STR CRD.
The American citizen has four years left on his visa, which he sees as four more years to make enough money to buy a boat that’ll sail him home one day.
